Caring for Your Senior Pet
As your pet gets older, you’ll notice that his aging process is very similar to that of humans—his joints may ache, he may become more lethargic, his sight may get worse, and he will need to visit the veterinarian more often. Here’s a brief look at how you should care for your senior pet:
- Diet
As older pets become more lethargic, they tend to overeat and gain weight. By the time your dog or cat reaches age seven, you should consider changing his diet to accommodate his change in lifestyle. However, you should never change your pet’s diet without first consulting your veterinarian.
- Exercise
If you allow your senior pet to laze around all day, his body will deteriorate much more quickly. Though your pet may not be able to exercise as much as before, you should still go on walks and encourage activity as much as possible. Puzzles and mental exercises are also important components of your senior pet’s overall health.
- Environment
As your pet gets older, he won’t be able to do the things he once could. For example, a senior cat may lose the ability to jump up to his favorite spot. In order to allow your pet access to all of his favorite areas, consider constructing a series of ramps or steps.
- Check-ups
Since senior pets tend to have more health problems, experts recommend that you increase the number of vet visits from one to two per year, or once every six months. That way, your vet can better spot small health problems before they become serious ones.
If you’re looking for a skilled vet, contact Heart of Chelsea Animal Hospital. We’re dedicated to providing the highest possible level of care for pets of all ages. Call us today at (917) 675-3708 to set up an appointment at our animal hospital.
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